You are here

Foster, Baird Announce Research & Development Caucus for 116th Congress

Apr 4, 2019

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN) announced that they will serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Research & Development Caucus for the 116th Congress. The R&D Caucus was established in the 108th Congress with the purpose of highlighting the economic and societal importance of research and development, and to advocate for federal research and development funding.

“Robust research and development are crucial in our efforts to confront some of the biggest challenges we face from combating the effects of climate change to fighting the opioid epidemic and discovering new treatments and cures for diseases,” Congressman Foster said. “Scientific research and development are also critical to our nation’s long-term economic success in an increasingly competitive global economy in which we must maintain a competitive advantage.”

“It is important to identify areas of research that are critical to advancement, so we can invest in initiatives that will move us forward. The advances we make in technology and development shape the world for future generations, and it is our duty to ensure that America remains at the forefront of innovation,” said Congressman Baird. “In order to do that, the work of our scientists must be highlighted. It is a great privilege to share their progress and achievements with my colleagues as we support R&D nationwide.”

Congressman Foster first became co-chair of the R&D Caucus in the 114th Congress. Prior to serving in Congress, he spent over 20 years as a high-energy particle physicist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois. Congressman Jim Baird, a lifelong Hoosier, represents Indiana’s 4th Congressional District and serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.